Oxalis, plant care and growing guide

oxalis-growing-guide

Oxalis is a genus of annual or perennial flowering plants in the Oxalidaceae family, comprising about 570 species. They are plants native to Mexico, have a small stem, tuberous roots, and invasive growth. The leaves are palmate, divided into 3-10 leaflets with obovate shape and serrated tip. The flowers bloom in summer, are small, have 5 petals of different colors depending on the species. Some species, such as Oxalis tuberosa, form edible tubers.

Species grown indoors in pots can reach a length of 15-25 cm and have a longevity of up to 2-3 years.

Species and varieties

Among the species grown as decorative plants, the most common are:

Oxalis triangularis – with leaves made up of 3 purple leaflets and white flowers. It is an indoor decorative plant. It tightens its leaves at night.

Oxalis tetraphylla – it has leaves made up of 4 green leaflets, with a dark spot at the base. The flowers have 5 petals colored in red-orange or white.

Oxalis articulata – it can be grown both indoors and outdoors; has trifoliate leaves, green and pink or purple flowers.

Oxalis purpurea – it has purple flowers, trifoliate leaves, and the edges of the leaflets have fine hairs.

Oxalis vulcanicola – it is distinguished through its reddish-brown stems and yellow flowers.

Environmental conditions

Light. It prefers partially shaded or sunny places, especially in the early hours of the morning.

Temperature. It can withstand moderate temperatures, the optimum being 18-23° C. In winter it can withstand lower temperatures of up to 15° C, and in summer the maximum temperature should be 28° C.

Humidity. It does not have high requirements for atmospheric humidity, but at higher temperatures, it is recommended to spray the leaves with water.

Substrate. Oxalis grows ideally in a well-drained, nutrient-rich substrate with a neutral pH. It can be made up of sandy gravel enriched with compost.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Watering

Add water moderately, only when the substrate is dry on the surface, and during the cold season, water the plant less often, so that the substrate is kept drier, using small amounts of water.

Fertilization

It does not require large amounts of fertilizer. In summer, during the vegetative growth period, a fertilizer for flowering plants can be administered monthly.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

For young plants, repotting should be done annually, in spring, until entering the vegetative period. Mature plants can be repotted once every 3 years.

Propagation

The most used method of propagation is by dividing the bush, but it can also be propagated through seeds.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Diseases and pests

It can be affected by rust (Puccinia), which is controlled with fungicides. Sometimes it can be attacked by aphids or snails.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • Oxalis does not tolerate a calcareous substrate.
  • when it does not have enough light, the plants produce fewer flowers.
  • the pots can be taken out in the garden during summer.
  • some species, such as Oxalis stricta, are considered weeds and are sometimes used to cover the lawn.
  • they are toxic plants if ingested by pets.
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